Integrated reporting is founded on integrated thinking. In essence, this is the consideration of the six capitals identified in the Integrated Reporting Framework/International ‹IR› Framework in the strategy, decision-making and daily operations of an organisation. Integrated thinking should be embedded in an organisation at three levels: the board of directors, senior management and staff members.
The integrated reporting experience of South African organisations shows that the preparation of the integrated report helps to embed integrated thinking in an organisation.
Useful Sources (note that some of these items span the inception of integrated reporting in 2012/13)
Integrated Thinking Principles
The Value Reporting Foundation produced a document in 2023 to assist organisations. When using this document bear in mind that it is not entirely aligned with the Integrated Reporting Framework https://www.ifrs.org/issued-
A model for Integrated Thinking
The report, “Integrated Thinking & Strategy: State of Play Report“ comes from the IIRC’s integrated thinking and strategy group. It introduces a new model to understand the power of integrated thinking: the spring model.
Purpose beyond profit: The value of value
This publication by AICPA, <IR> and Black Sun discusses 10 Questions for Integrated Reporting preparers. It seeks to understand trends and challenges in measuring, disclosing and understanding the value that companies create.
A company’s purpose
How can Investors identify a purpose-led company? This publication from A Blueprint for Better Business in the UK explains the trend of embracing financial performance plus benefits for society and the environment.
Business through a new lens
PwC’s 19th Annual Global CEO Survey reveals that embedding sustainability thinking is becoming a mainstream approach to business-as-usual.
Joining the dots: Decision-making for a new era
This international research by CIMA and AICPA, Joining the dots: Decision-making for a new era, investigates the effectiveness of C-level decision-making practices in large organisations. The solution to many of the identified challenges lies in integrated thinking.
A survey of the views of executive and non-executive directors
Integrated Thinking: An exploratory survey is a paper released by SAICA in 2015. It covers the views of executives and non-executive directors of JSE listed companies on integrated thinking and the benefits experienced by South African organisations.
Conceptualising integrated thinking in practice
A paper offering theoretical and practical insights on the ways in which integrated thinking is observed in practice. The paper, Conceptualising integrated thinking in practice by Judy Oliver, Gillian Vesty and Albie Brooks, can be purchased from the publisher at the link.
Leading CFO’s share their experience on integrating sustainability into business processes and decisions
The four useful practical guides from A4S’s CFO Network cover:
- Capex;
- Enhancing investor engagement;
- Managing future uncertainty; and
- Natural and social capital accounting
Navigating the complexity of a changing world
The “A4S Essential Guide to Strategic Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting” was launched in April 2018 to provide tools, practical examples and guidance on how to integrate sustainability into strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting processes.